Posted by Vaughn [162.158.75.205] on Wednesday, February 20, 2019 at 11:00:32 :
In Reply to: front axle bushings and seals update posted by don in MD [172.69.62.175] on Wednesday, February 20, 2019 at 09:06:15 :
Have a machine shop cut you a driver to install them, it's not expensive for them to make. Drive both the seal, flat surface of seal against the bushing, and bushing in together. It's very easy to deform the seal driven by itself. Drive bushing/seal in till bushing seated, you be able to tell by a higher solid sound. If you don't get them seated, the axle locks when turning the knuckle, so it's important. Make sure you grease the bushing/axle surface area and bushing flange area (rides against axle) when installing the inner axle.
When installing new bearings on the upper/lower trunnion pins, make sure you seat those as well, and grease them before installing the two steering knuckle halves. When assembling the knuckles, rub a light coat of silicone gasket maker on a matting surface to keep moisture out. Rub grease on the pins to prevent rust. once knuckles are assembled, adjust knuckle drag to 28 feet pounds of drag before installing the felt seal.